Abstract Art - How to Invest in Good Art

By Raven Pollock

As the saying goes, beauty is really in the eyes of the beholder. Our perception of beauty is based on a number of factors that have moulded our likes and dislikes. When it comes to art, it is a very subjective thing. But you can learn to appreciate all forms of art once you understand what each genre of art strives to express.
Abstract art is a form of expression that brings out the deepest emotions of the artist. Once you get a glimpse of the vision behind the artwork, you will begin to appreciate and relish the piece of art even more.

Sometimes our dreams are surreal and very different from actual reality. Abstract art often tries to bring out these surrealistic scenes, images and landscapes and put them on canvas. Art of this kind can sometimes take real life scenes and objects and present them in a stylized form. In this variety of art, the objects on the canvas are still recognizable. There is another variety of abstract art where totally intangible and ethereal forms are depicted on the canvas. This kind of art form is more difficult to interpret.

In the latter kind, artists freely explore and express their ideas through vivid colors, shapes and textures. These pieces of art often convey a deep inner thought, idea or emotion that is difficult to define. Quite often, it is the initial impact that the artwork hits you with that really matters. But sometimes, you would have to gaze at the canvas for a long time for some of the ideas to sink in.

If you are a connoisseur of modern or abstract art, you can purchase them without ever stepping out of your home. The Internet now provides an excellent way for you to view, evaluate and buy art from your living room. This amazing facility enables you to view art from all around the world. You can pick and choose the ones you like, pay for the art online, and have it shipped to your address within a couple of days.

As always, you need to exercise caution when you buy things online. Look for an art site that is verified by authentication authorities. It should have a secure login page so that your personal particulars are stored safely. The payment gateway used by the site should also be secure and verified in order for you to have a smooth and trouble free shopping experience.

When you find such a site, you can put all your worries to rest and have a great time viewing the artwork and purchasing the ones that attract your attention.

Visit http://www.oinus.com and buy Abstract Art from our secure and verified art store.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raven_Pollock

Abstract Art - How to Invest in Good Art

By Raven Pollock

As the saying goes, beauty is really in the eyes of the beholder. Our perception of beauty is based on a number of factors that have moulded our likes and dislikes. When it comes to art, it is a very subjective thing. But you can learn to appreciate all forms of art once you understand what each genre of art strives to express.
Abstract art is a form of expression that brings out the deepest emotions of the artist. Once you get a glimpse of the vision behind the artwork, you will begin to appreciate and relish the piece of art even more.
Sometimes our dreams are surreal and very different from actual reality. Abstract art often tries to bring out these surrealistic scenes, images and landscapes and put them on canvas. Art of this kind can sometimes take real life scenes and objects and present them in a stylized form. In this variety of art, the objects on the canvas are still recognizable. There is another variety of abstract art where totally intangible and ethereal forms are depicted on the canvas. This kind of art form is more difficult to interpret.
In the latter kind, artists freely explore and express their ideas through vivid colors, shapes and textures. These pieces of art often convey a deep inner thought, idea or emotion that is difficult to define. Quite often, it is the initial impact that the artwork hits you with that really matters. But sometimes, you would have to gaze at the canvas for a long time for some of the ideas to sink in.
If you are a connoisseur of modern or abstract art, you can purchase them without ever stepping out of your home. The Internet now provides an excellent way for you to view, evaluate and buy art from your living room. This amazing facility enables you to view art from all around the world. You can pick and choose the ones you like, pay for the art online, and have it shipped to your address within a couple of days.
As always, you need to exercise caution when you buy things online. Look for an art site that is verified by authentication authorities. It should have a secure login page so that your personal particulars are stored safely. The payment gateway used by the site should also be secure and verified in order for you to have a smooth and trouble free shopping experience.
When you find such a site, you can put all your worries to rest and have a great time viewing the artwork and purchasing the ones that attract your attention.

Visit http://www.oinus.com and buy Abstract Art from our secure and verified art store.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raven_Pollock

Tatang Ramadhan Bouqie : Flowing with Creations

By Arie MP Tamba


Tens of years concentrating on design details, but follows the heart as he paints.

It could very well be an unforgetable experience for Tatang Ramadhan Bouqie. During the evening of the 2010 Indonesian
Art Award at the National Gallery, he felt awkward going face to face with the collectors. "I was afraid of being called an arrogant, and I also felt blank," Tatang said to Arti, in a conversation we had at his residence a while back, after his work Teater Saluran 99, a 200x1200 meters painting was put in the top three ranking by the jurors Jim supangkat, Asmudjo Jono Irianto, Suwarno Wisetroromo, Rizky Zaelani, and Kuss Indarto.

"What's the retail price?" that was the question of the collector who observed his work, Thursday (6/17) evening.

"It is their right to compensate enthusiasm with money, and I'm not going to be a hypocrit. But this is something new for me," claimed the painter born May 11 1953.

From age and track record aspects, this father of two (Jennifer and Gibran) and the husband of one Jeanelle is no amateur. However, in terms of artworks 'retail', he is rather 'green'.

In 1975, Tatang decided to go through fine-arts formal study in ITB. Beforehand he has already been active in literacy and arranging vignettes in Bandung newspapers. Before enlisting in ITB, he was registered in LPKJ (now IKJ), for working in an advertisement bureau in Pasar Baru, Jakarta.

"Back then my boss challenged me to study formally on fine-arts major in ITB, the well-known institute." The problem was, Tatang was in vocational high-school, while one of the requirements to enlist to ITB is that the person must be a public high-school graduate. Tatang then enlisted himself to a private high-school in Bandung, namely the Jhon Mayall High-School. "The students are allowed to have long hair," smile Tatang remembering.

Graduated from the John Mayall High-School, Tatang then registered and passed the test in the ITB Fine-Arts Department. "What's unique was, in the ITB Fine-Arts major I preferred pure art. However, seeing the financial chances in the design major as a broader one, I then choose the interior design course," he told.

He had to bear his life and college cost himself. His family was even lesssupportive of his choice in art. Now, to his two children and wife, he gives the clearest understanding to gain support as he 'retired' and goes painting. He is consistent in holding the 2:5 per week time management. Two days of teaching for the sake of household economy, and five days of working for self-satisfaction.

However Tatang never really left the world of design. To date, he is still active in lecturing on design at several universities, including IKJ. Here inIKJ he has even started lecturing earlier; since he finished his education from ITB and moved to Jakarta, whilst working in Tempo magazine.

"Since a student I was already active in Tempo," said Tatang.

This brought a unique story on its own. That time he still had to work on his thesis and final exam, thus making him commute Jakarta-Bandung for any projects of Tempo cover design. It went on until one day, as soon as he finished college, Goenawan Mohamad from Tempo requested him to work there full time.

"Mas Goen (Goenawan Mohamad) intentionally called Mr. Pirous to permit me to leave Bandung," Tatang recalled.

Tatang was actually prepared to be a lecturer in ITB, and was also involved in several design projects in AD Pirous" company. It would bring a dillema to leave Bandung.

"But Mas Goen said to Mr. Pirous that his assignment in ITB is only printing creators for other people to utilize, not for his own benefits," laughed Tatang.

AD Pirous finally supported Tatang to enter Tempo. And finally, Tatang did focused his attention to the development of print media design,also on books at the Grafiti publisher owned by Tempo. Subsequently, after years in Jakarta, he had his time of being active in the newspaper, amongst others the Media Indonesia. However, as a painter, it may well be said that Tatang underwent a rather "distinguished" course than other contemporary artists.

While contemporary artists are making more use of the potential of design art and the chance of computer technology sophistication, Tatang on the other hand left all of his mastered design knowledge (and technology); and wholeheartedly made canvas as the arena to express his arts by brush or palette.

"The issue becomes, when we are struggling with the sophistication of technology and the fascinating design chances, what more to look for?" he questioned.

He still doubts the 'success' of contemporary artists' works those are technologized,
fulfilling the motives and potentials of the creator's creational ability. In this matter, Tatang thinks high of the profession of an artist as the doer of pure art, that projects works as the interpretation of creating liberty.

Therefore, he went 'awkward' when someone asks of the retail price of his painting. "This is because I only paint, I don't think much of targets, including financial targets," explained Tatang, who is currently active at work for his upcoming sole exhibition.

Learning to be Human

By Hanif Nasrullah

Deep within each human there is the nature of wilderness, and vise-versa.

Suwarno Wisetratomo was looking for the ground point of two God-made living creatures. Through the art exhibition titled 'Beyond Animal', he took on sculpture artist Noor Ibrahim; who displayed his works with animal as the object. There was also a painter by the name of Ben Wong; who showcased the object of human's self-portrait painting.

Various self-portraits that Ben Wong chose were famous figures from a variety of generations. Say one (series about) Frida Cahlo, a painter figure from Argentina who throughout her life (1907-1954) was known to have a rather controversial image. In another work, Ben Wong showcased the series on sacred people by reliving the religious figures from various parts of the world, namely the Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, and Carol Wojtyla (Pope Paulus).

Ben Wong also made the series on the German native dictator, Adolf Hitler. While as the local figures from Indonesia who were made objects were thelegendary painter Affandi, and Chairil Anwar the poet. The entire self-portraits of those figures were each displayed their characters by oil paint. "It is through those figures that I present the choice of life. It is up to ourselves what we would like to become," Ben Wong said.

Noor Ibrahim gave out a comparison on human behaviors that Ben Wong had already displayed by numbers of sculpture works with animal objects.

Amongst others they are the dog, ant, scorpion, bat, elephant, giraffe, donkey, horse, cow, chicken, and many more. They were all done by the palo technique that he has been known for. This is in the detail sense that the surfaces of those animal sculptures those are made of iron and stainless steel are dented die to the processing method which is grounding them with a sledge hammer.

Ibrahim admitted to having some life lessons or interesting learning from the animals. Like the time when he was a student of the ISI Jogjakarta, he once slept on the campus area floor and was stung by a scorpion. He never blamed the scorpion that stung him, rather himself for sleeping carelessly, making the scorpion felt disturbed.

Aside from that, when the earthquake was about to strike Jogjakarta in 2006, his pet dog, that for the sake of 'kosherness' was given the name Jackfruit (the fruit), kept on barking for hours as if wanted to tell of what is about to happen.

"There are actually many lessons to be taken from animals. One other example, for instance, the animals only eat what they need. Compare that to us (humans), who often times over-eat ourselves," explained the large-sized sculpture artist.

The Festivity of Bazaar Art

By Darma Ismayanto

The jammed program makes The Ritz Carlton and Pacific Place Mall seemed to be overflowing with artworks.

Kite-like structures in the shape of angels complete with both wings were there. Made in various sizes, those "angels" were suspended from the ceiling down to the mid and centre of the Pacific Place Mall space. Comprised in the 2010 Jakarta Bazaar Art festival program, the work of Heri Dono titled "Going to the Angel's Tree" is a thing of phenomenon.

Taking the base idea of angelic figurine as the savior and balance of nature's already damaged wisdom; the work of Heri Dono came about as an awakening media for the mall visitors to pay more respect and love to nature. Artworks with aesthetic value wrapping are sometimes a much more effective and also entertaining communication media compared to pamphlets with slogans.

Taking place at The Ritz Carlton, Pacific Place; celebrating their 10th anniversary; the Indonesian Harper's Bazaar Magazine held the 2010 Jakarta Bazaar Art - Indonesian Art Fair event. This is the second time the Indonesian Bazaar Magazine has been holding such event.

Various programs were summarized in this grand event. Aside from the exhibition festival participated by more than 30 galleries, there are also other programs such as the Talk Art, Kids Art, and Mall Art. In this event also, a special exhibition divided into several areas took place. Such as in the private collection area of DKI Jakarta's reigning Governor Fauzi Bowo, the Women Art Collectors area, the Old Master area, Islamic Art area, Fashion Art area, Bazaar Art Project area, and also Bazaar Art Cinema area.

The tightness of the program at the Bazaar Art event made The Ritz Carlton and Pacific Place Mall seemed to be overflowing with artworks. Moreover, the Mall Art exhibition showcased the works in the public space of Pacific Place Mall. By strategically spread at the corners of the mall, the interaction between the works with public became more entwined.

Taking the theme of Green Carnival, the Mall Art exhibition stood on the basic concept to trigger public awareness towards nature's condition. Nature as the most significant element of human life is supposed to be preserved. However, often times mankind overlook the matter by conducting damages. The awareness on the significance to preserve nature is what the Green Carnival exhibition was trying to build.

The Green Carnival exhibition was supported by more than 60 artists that displayed various artworks. The contributing artists amongst others are Deddy PAW, Yani M Sastranegara, Yudi Sulistio, Ade Arti, Afdhal, and Dicky Chandra.

source: arti magazine 31 edition

Cleansing with 'Detergent'

By Darma Ismayanto

When socio-economy-politic decadence has gone so bad, cleansing is required to take place.

Two figures of giants; one male and the other female. The male giant is known by Lelepah whilst the female is called by Aluamah. Both giants are known to be greedy and self-indulged; they will eat anything in sight. "Just like most of our running officials, greedy, anything is edible to them, regardless of the people's hardships," claimed Sri Warso Wahono, one of the artists involved in the exhibition.

In his work 'Rampogan 2010: elepah Aluamah', Sri Warso Wahono tried to illustrate the characteristics of some officials. When a tax official 'loots' the tax payment that was supposed to go to development; the law enforcements can only step on the weak; and when the elites only think of themselves and their importance without ever considering the needs of the people. That is called morale decadence.

What to do? 'Detergent' may well be the answer. The exhibition theme pioneered by the Jakarta Board of Art is rather unique. The title is very populist; making it easy to digest. In daily routines detergent is known as the soap regularly used to cleanse dirty laundry. When the word 'Detergent' comes into the frame of art and is used as the theme for an exhibition, it's easy to understand that what is meant is not an issue of dirty laundry, but more to do with the dirty heart and soul.

'Detergent' became the answer for the nation's condition highlighted by Sri Warso Wahono and other artists in this exhibition. Artists as part of the society, should pay attention to what is happening to the environment. As the idealist figures with free spirits, it is just right that artists have the capability to be some sort of mirror to reflect reality.

As many as 27 artists took place. The reside around Jakarta, Bogor, Bekasi, Depok, and Tangerang. The carried out theme 'Detergent' is of course nothing new. Similar kinds of themes were also carried out, often times even. In this matter, in the midst of the world of fine-arts that is more market oriented, the presence of 'Detergent' becomes a significant alternative.

Another side to stress out, 'Detergent' is a learning; and not haring; criticism. The critic is the sign of care by artists, in order to build a better socio-economy-politic living. This is especially for this country, right now.

source: arti magazine 31 edition

Digging into Hidden Potentials

Young artists deserve support and have their works collected.

The painting potential and proficiency of Indonesian children is magnificent. Without any formal education on the subject, they are able to produce beautiful and characterized works. Just observe the 150 painting works by Indonesian children from 21 provinces and numbers of works from art studios in various cities in Indonesia at the walls of Indonesian National Gallery exhibition spot of Jakarta. Most of them are the product of art studios in each region.

Exhibition curators Indra C Noerhadi and Kuss Indarto did not limit the media and techniques used. They were free to use crayons, water paint, oil paint, conte, collate, and other materials in their works. This exhibition is a celebration to place children of ages 6-12 that received awards in various painting competitions locally, nationally, regionally, and even internationally.

In accordance to the theme, most of them take on the cultures of various regions in Indonesia. Traditional outfits, houses, cultural arts, dance, and various other artistic forms were painted. Priska Ivena of Bandung that received a gold medal from a drawing competition in Egypt, silver medal in Japan and Egypt, Bangladeshm Slovenia, Poland, and a number of other countries; presented the drawing of Wayang Togog. The Javanese traditional artistic icon was arranged with a rather detailed color and line composition. Each of the body parts were brushed with different colors, maing the drawing comes to life. Togog was portrayed short figured, big bellied, and comic characterized.

Chel’en Christevelyn Dewi from Jambi displayed the painting of Chinese Lunar Year Celebration in Jambi. The work imaged a boy and girl celebrating the event, both happy and joyous. On their hands a red cloth with Chinese script was placed. The colors red and yellow dominated the canvas. This work wishes to celebrate the new Indonsia that has place Chinese tradition as part of its wealth. The iron hands those discriminated Chinese culture has know melted.

In the end, the exhibition will have a rather significant meaning for the Indonesian fine-art history, should the Jakarta Indonesian National Gallery be willing to collect the works of these children from various provinces. Because, all these times, there has not been any special large collection that stores the works of children those are worthy to be references in the progress of Indonesian children fine-art history. Should this be done, the Indonesian National Gallery will be noted down in the history of Indonesian fine-art history as one of the institution that is willing and capable of documenting children fine-art masterpieces.

source: arti magazine 31 edition

The Sheen of Pearls in Alila

By Wayan Sunarta

World-class jewelry designer Nicole Moja showcased her latest creations.

Since the old age to date, in various cultures of the world; the sheen of gemstones has been captivating men. For instance, in many ancient ruins beads, simple jewelries embedded with gemstones are often found, usually as the carry in grave. The kings crowns are also decorated by gemstones such as diamonds, onyx, sapphire, and ruby. The Indians even used turquoise to decorate their weaponries. The jadestone was one even used as the arrow's head.

Now, due to the beauty, gemstones are more often used as jewelry, be it as necklaces, lockets, rings, bracelets, earrings, ear-wears, brooch, and others. They all can be enjoyed at the 'Treasures and Gifts of Nature' exhibition. World-class jewelry designer Nicole Moja, showcased her newest creations, in forms of various jewelry from all kinds of gemstones combined with gold and silver.

For instance, gemstones lovers can observe the beauty of necklace from crystal type rocks and quartz with lockets from turquoise stones. There are also necklaces from the arrangements of "tiger eyes" gemstones combined with various other stones. You can also observe the beauty of the ring collections with topaz stones, aquamarine, and others. All of them are designed in custom to Nicole's creations.

Nicole was born in Paris. For 20 years she resided in Hong Kong, and in 1998 she decided to stay in Bali. To design the various beautiful and unique jewelries, she took in lots of inspirations from the many varieties of cultures she learned. Her creations have been awarded by the "Hong Kong International Jewellery Designer Association (HKIJDA)".

source: arti magazine 31 edition

LING NAN LUNG

Advertorial

The most important and The greatest 20th century of indonesian traditional chinese brush painter.

Ling Nan Lung was best known as a painter and sculptor. He was born in Bangka Island and grew up from rich family as a Landlord and timah trader.Ling Nan Lung study at singapore high school he was an intelligent,smart and genius in his school. he got scholarship in his school and when he grow up he decide he want to become as an artist as a painters and sculptor. art for art shake and was born as an artist that time . ling become an young talented sculptor and be one of the best winner in china and learned to paint and met his mentor whose well known famous painters in china as QI BAI SHI, LIN FENG MIAN,HUANG BIN HONG,PAN TIAN SHOU, etc. he was exhibition together with Qi Bai Shi,Linfengmian,huangbin hong,wuGuanZhong,WangXueTao,etc on beijing 1950. when Ling become more well known and sought after he met one of the founder walt disney andd cooperate together for 2 years time in holland and New york.

he travel and visiting famous scenic spots in china,Indonesia, and europe and continue make an innovation on his arts. unfortunately when he came back from China to indonesia during 1965 the political situation not really good that time which alot of his paintings,sculptore,many chinesse traditional art works,culture being destroyed that time.

he is perhaps the most noted contemporary chineesse painter for the whimsical, often colourful,playful,and have strong character of his chineese classical brush paintings. the subject of his paintings include almost everythings we see in ordinary life: commonly animals, scenery, figures,toys, vegetables and flowers,opera, bamboos,insects,fish and abstracts he theorized that good paintings will live more than 1000 years and chineesse paintings prefer more feeling and expression from heart than a likeness. also an artist need have his own character,style,and becoming a pioneer,creator, and inventor ,whose not just cheat from other painters idea. 

Ling Nan Lung art works was noticed and praised from alot curator and museums, one of museum is beijing art museum, Ml de boer museum, hangzhou arts museum. alot of professor,chinesse curator said Ling Nan Lung art works was the greatest and the most beautiful art works from indonesia they said LING NAN LUNG was the most important indonesian chineese painters on 20 century art. his art work was noticable because of his talent, own character paintings and sculptors, and all of his personal influences expreesed on and threw this work. and he represent indonesia to make indonesia proud that indonesia also have a great painters like QI BAI SHI, HUANG BING HONG, LINFENGMIAN,CHANG DA ZIAN,Wu Guan Zhong,etc Ling Nan Lung died at 84 years old (1915-1999) but his art will live long more in our world of art . His art just founded at 2009 on the old storage at palmerah. we search his paintings fpr making the book and his museum.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

City of Jakarta on Canvas

By Darma Ismayanto

The chaos of traffic, social imbalance, city volume, and consumerism.

The Capital is going to be moved to Kalimantan? That's going to be difficult. This country hasn't the money for it, making it hard to be realized even in the next 9 or 10 years,' said reigning Governor Fauzi Bowo in an informal chat on the capital city's chaotic condition at the North Art Space (NAS) Gallery in Ancol.

The mentioned current condition of Jakarta was what was reflected by most participants of the 2010 Jakarta Art Award competition, with the theme 'Reflection of Megacities', with the city of Jakarta as the subjecy matter. The chaos of traffic, social imbalance, city volume, consumerism, to the ignorant characteristic of Jakartans; all showed in various dynamics.

Held since 2006, the Jakarta Art Award is a two-yearly painting art competition. The competition is the subsequence of the Golden Palette Award competition pioneered by the ancol Art Market and the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta; limited by participants from Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. Fauzi Bowo was still in the Vice Governor position at the first event.

In order to widespread the competition, the Golden Palette Award transformed to the Jakarta Art Award with participations opened for nation-wide painters. Lately the 2010 Jakarta Wart Award has been sounded to international level, by involving many participants from various foreign countries.

Kim So-young, Lee Min- Ju, Halley Cheng, Victor Angelo, are a line of international participant names that contributed in the 2010 Jakarta Art Award. And if it is true what was said by Budi Karya Sumadi, the Chief Director of PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, that this event is the first ever international competition that is held in Indonesia, this comes as quite a pride to us.

Came as the 2010 Jakarta Art Award winner is Putu Wirantawan at first place, with his work 'The Wandering Soul III'. Next is Agung 'Tato' Suryanto with his work 'City of Tomorrow', and Imam Abdillah with 'Dimensi Perburuan' (The Hunting Dimension) at second, and Aditya Novali with '(My) Comfort Zone' and Angga Sukma Permana with 'Lie of Life' at third.

Most of the works displayed at the NAS Gallery criticized the current condition of Jakarta. Hopefully they can all be aspired as inputs to build a much more organized Jakarta.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

Post Street Guerrilla

Reconsidering the interpretation of street finearts at the contemporary art land.

The art of graffiti is another form of expression from the city space jammed with banners and outdoor commercial spaces. Different from the promotion banners and advertisement characteristic, the art of wall streaks in all truth has quoted the rebel against steadiness. Jakarta is an example of a city that can show the fight between grafitt and commercial ad banners.

Although it has become a global phenomenon, graffiti is still considered a product of city "crime" and "litter". The government has been placing a rather hefty amount of budget for the deletion of graffiti artworks. What's unique is that in each city there are always artists that focus themselves on the wall streaking action, even with the police on their tail.

Sonic Bad, a graffiti artist from New York that began his career in 1972, told that police chase in one of his routine. "I used to have the police on my tail for doing graffiti on the subway. Now I create graffiti with their surveillance. My friends in New York will never believe this," he laughed as he and 12 other graffiti artists transformed the grey wall along TB Simatupang street that stands across Cilandak Town Square (CITOS), on Friday night (9/7). He explicitly explained the status adjustment of graffiti art status from illegal to legal.

At the Salihara exhibition building, the entry of graffiti art from their marginal zone to the mainstream fine-art space was at display. Graffiti artists from Paris and Jakarta showcased 40 canvases. Various themes were put on those canvases; from the facial image of Obama, Michael Jackson, all the way to a train.

Darbotz with his work Rat Road #3 presented the mixed media in form of three panelled paintings of black and white. The three were attached to a gloomy zinc plate making it seem as if it is located outdoor. The drawing looked more of an illustration that emphasis more on lines rather than messages. Beyond the wall of the exhibition, Bujangan Urban imaged three 'hip' girls, with their tight outfits, shaking their body to a level of flight.

The motives of these graffiti artists were quite varied. Sonic told the story that graffiti emerged due to the gang rivalries in territorial dispute. Nsane5 from Jakarta whom has been diving in the street art for more than a decade claimed that graffiti is part of the effort to express identities to the communities and public.

Different from contemporary fine-arts in various cities in the world, according to curator Alia Swastika, the entry of graffiti in the mainstream fine-art land of Indonesia may well be still on the early stage. This exhibition has at least opened the path for graffiti artists in adding and broadening their moving space in conducting 'guerrilla'.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

Thirteen Artists and Bosoms

Spirited by the movement of demolition to the patriarchy ideology.

Women no longer wish to be placed as a second class society in the modern living. The progress of thinking pattern, the opportunity to access knowledge; becomes the fighting tool to reach gender equality. This is marked by the birth of feminism movement, which ideologically conducts demolition towards the patriarchy ideology.

It is this sort of frame that seems to be the turning point for Inge Santoso, owner of the Canna Gallery, in holding the "Scarlet: exhibition, the second series exhibition from the Bandung Invasion #1 exhibition back in year 2008. The exhibition firmly underlines that women should be progressed and own critical awareness in living.

It was also narrated by the curator, Annisa Rahardi, who was sided by dr. Melani W. Setiawan, as the opening of the exhibition; that "Scarlet" is meant as a double-meaning word. In general it can be said that it indicates the color red, but can also be interpreted as sin, guilt, wound, rage, passion, beauty, courage, love, and sacrifice.

However, whatever the word means, what is certain is that the exhibition has presented space to the thirteen young artists from ITB: Citra Syukma Bayu, Dilla Martina Ayulia, Desziana Mahmud, Endira FJ, Kania Yuliandini, Leyla Aprilia, Nuri Fatimah, Putriani Mulyadi, Sally Texania, Sania Gilang Hati, Sekarputri Sidhiawati, Stella Prasetya, and Tisa Granicia, to respond to it individually.

Tisa Granicia with her media of porcelain ceramics, with the work in form of clothes, spoke of self-identity, where clothing reflects the wearer; and even through clothes, the life pattern of the wearer can be distinguished. Dilla Martina Yulia with her work "King of the Jungle", illustrated that the women of today has bargaining position and can be a leader.

Leyla Aprilia spoke of nationalism through her work of PRRI annihilation move. While as Citra Syukma put forth the religiousness that should be guarded within the shifts of eras. Sania gilang tried to image the culture acculturation that is unconsciously accepted by the people.

Meanwhile, the work of Putriani Mulyadi highlighted women that should possess knowledge, in order to sort the good and bad in her own life.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

Loyalty to Betawi

Lurality and globalization may enter, but the roots of tradition should not fade away.

A traditional café stands, with a line of cookie jars on the table, and a bunch of plantains are suspended in front of them. Several ladies in traditional Betawi outfit and men wearing sarong and head-cover (kopiah) on their heads are seen having chats in the café. Meanwhile, on the other side, several girls are seen playing the mancala. The portrait of old times Betawian village emerges there.

The flourished nature, open fields with houses stood far apart, are now for certain nowhere to be found in the Jakarta area. However the illustration and nuance that scopes over it can still be enjoyed on the canvas of one Sarnadi Adam; a famous Betawi native Indonesian painter. And the scenery mentioned above, is imaged in one of his works named "Kampung Penari" (Village of Dancers).

Sarnadi Adam was born in Simprug Village of Kebayoran, Southern Jakarta, 1956. On his canvas he frequently takes up the icons of Betawian society sulture. All from the Betawian dancers, ondel-ondel (traditional decorative giant puppets), to the atmosphere of old times Betawian village; to the most special of them all, amongst others; moments when Betawians go to wedding parties, complete with the traditional transportation, delman (horse carriage).

Sarnadi is always detailed in finding the breath of Betawian community living that is now rare to be found in the daily live of modern Jakarta population. The culture, customs, architecture, traditional outfits of Betawi; all recorded fabulously.

Enjoying the paintings of Sarnadi, it feels that we have traveled through time back to old times Jakarta; when it was still less crowded by skyscrapers and hyperactive people. This brought the feel of romance in his paintings. Just as mentioned by Agus Dermawan T, that Betawian culture is a major part of the Jakartan culture; although not all cultural elements in Jakarta is Betawian. For that Sarnadi carries up the specific themes of Betawi, which he tries to capture from the scrapes of dynamic , if not aggressive, Jakartan culture.

It is undeniable that Jakarta as the capital city with its plural society is slowly edging the Betawian society as the native population, along with their culture.

And in several newest works of him, Sarnadi seems to realize entirely that the plurality and globalization stream is unavoidable. Just observe the work "Barisan Penari Cokek" (Row of Cokek Dancers). The object of cokek dancers are showed in today's hairstyle. However, from this illustration can also be interpret that; all kinds of modernizations are allowed to enter, but the Betawian people should not be taken out of their traditional roots.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

Arranging the Strategy of Emergence

Although interpreted domestically, the purpose is to embrace the practice of fine-arts in a broader manner.

The identity issue of Indonesian fine-art is still a continuous disturbing question. The 2010 routine event of the Jogja Art Fair (JAF) with the strategy of Indonesian fine-arts emergence, tries to open and formulate it.

Artlog carries the theme of Indonesia Art Now, gathering fine-art works from all over Indonesia to be reread and reinterpreted, as the signs in the contemporary fine-arts practice. Names of Jogjakartan artists who are at mastery level were also involved, such as S Teddy D, Ugo Untoro, A.C Andre Tanama, Eddie Hara, Heri Dono, Entang Wiharso, Nasirun and others. Their works are paired with those of Bandung, Jakarta, Bali, and Semarang artists. In total there are 158 artists with 170 works in the 2010 Artlog.

Then, what kind of work tendency will be made the reading material? Artlog curator Aminudin TH Siregar claimed that Artlog were trying to search for works that carries neuroticism, psychotics. “Here you can see the divided personality, which means a frame that shows the search amd stimulate the existence of positive madness. From here that identity can be read,” he revealed.

And so Artlog does not abolish abstract works those are considered rather margined from the contemporary fine-arts. “We insert abstract works, because abstract works often times show the signs,” he said.

“the tendency of this selected works can be the reading of an artist’s emergence relations. Also raises the question why such works exist. I think our world of fine art is still so lacking in discussing the sign of neuroticism into frames,” he went on.

With that consideration, then Artlog showcased only a little of the photographical realistic work trend. Artlog did want to get away for a while from the commotion of the market. “Artlog is so different with other art fair tradition, however with the uniqueness we are certain this may well be a consideration in the world of fine-art,” explained the Artistic Director of Artlog, Bambang “Toko” Witjaksono.

Meanwhile a Jogjakartan fine-arts observer, Suwarno Wisetrotomo assessed that Artlog is an interesting experiment, an effort of giving new energy to the mainstream of art-fairs nowadays. This is because besides conducting a distinguished and well approach, Artlog committee invited artists to exhibit by doing curatorial process. “The opportunities are plenty. There is transaction, impact, next turn. Customers may speak but they will wait and record what is wished to be enjoyed. What matters is the impact is productive,” explained Suwarno.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

Anisa Pohan: Promoting Batik in the United States

By Devi Apriani

She also creates in making wearable outfits in various occasions.

She also mentioned of her experience as Ramadhan comes along. As a wife, and also the mother of Aira Yudhoyono, Annisa had the marvelous experience of going through the fasting and celebrating Aidil Fitri in other countries. Going in the Ramadhan month of this year, there is a possibility that she would be going back to the USA along with her husband and soon to be 2 year old Aira. "I had my full month of fasting and also celebrated Aidil Fitri there last year. It may be the same for this year, but I still don't have my departure schedule," continued the lady who was once a broadcaster for a radio in Bandung.

To fast in another country and not being surrounded by her beloved family gave a whole new experience for the daughter of Aulia Pohan. One experience is never hearing the prayer call (adzan) for the lengthy distance of the mosque. Asie from that, as a minority, the atmosphere of fasting is far different from what she knows in Indonesia. The Aidil Fitri celebration experience of last year becomes something new for her and her nuclear family.

"There is no holiday there during Aidil Fitri. Over here there is holiday and you get to have a gathering with families and relatives. But Alhamdulillah las celebration fell on a Sunday, making us able to have Ied prayer calmly without being chased off by my husband's campus schedule. It was such a great time being able to gather with fellow muslims from various countries, and after the Ied prayer, we had a open house," said the shampoo commercial star.

Even when she can't gather with her big family in going thfough the fasting month and celebration, Annisa still feels good because what she's doing is her responsibility as a wife that must accompany her husband. And also, to comfort and give her reassurance is her daughter, who is now very witty and does a good job in making her laugh.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

The Art Outside the Box

Unusual artistic exploration from France.

Teks Darma Ismayanto

There are many ways to make a drawing. So then the media to make a drawing is no longer of any importance. An idea that lies behind a drawing is what actually really important. You can ask someone to make a very beautiful realistic paintings, but what’s inside your head, no one can take that away from you,” said curator Michle Nurindsany. Arti Magazine met Nurindsany in the midst of the preparation for the exhibition Ligne a Ligne (Line to Line).

Ligne a Ligne is the main theme of the French art exhibition held for about two weeks in the National Gallery of Indonesia as part of the annual Printemps Francais (French Spring) Festival. This is the fifth year of such an exhibition held in Jakarta. The exhibition showed to the people in Jakarta the limitless possibily of art.

A painting titled Espace (Space) by Isabelle Connaro for example, looked pretty plain, just a white paper with straight and simple lines, that would be very easy to make with just a ruler and a pencil. But if you look more carefully you would see that the lines are all actually made from the strand of hair of the artist. The straight lines are not as simple as they seemed. The hair must be strained precisely to make it straight without breaking it. In the curatorial Connaro wrote that she made her paintings with hair to create a new volume and dimension, as well as to avoid the movement of the artist to exist in her work.

Another interesting piece of the exhibition was created by Dan Mu, a 1979 Chinese born artist that now stayed and work in France. Dan Mu made a piece that she called Au Fil du Paysage (With the Passing of The Scenery)

It is a three dimensional painting. Placed in one of the rooms in the National Gallery, Dan Mu made a jalinan of black and red Thread. She stuck the threads to one side of the wall to the other side. She made the thread to take shape of wall plants. What’s interesting is that the jalinan of the threads cross over each other and fill the exhibition room. Dan Mu actually wants the people that see her work to “enter” her painting.

Unique Designs of Jewelry Art

Indonesian contemporary jewelry art should be positioned parallel with other contemporary art branches.

Teks Darma Ismayanto

Jewelry is not simply ornaments and accessories for the body. The jewelry is multi-functional and has various meanings that able to express something that related to someone’s identity, story, or fond memory, and the jewelry artist’s conscience that wished to be expressed through his/her creation of jewelry works.”

It was the introduction in Alvi Lufiani’s jewelry art works exhibition that held in Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta on last April 24-28, 2009. In the exhibition that called ”Why Not Jewelry,” the artist that graduated from ISI Yogyakarta and University of Oregon, USA was exhibiting tens of jewelry art works.

”The jewelry that I design, particularly with the Indonesian traditional pattern, is aimed especially at the Indonesian youth, and the use of classical pattern does not make our works look ancient or oldfashioned,” continued Alvi.

Moreover, it would look refreshing with unlimited and free creativity, idea, and imagination. The use of classical pattern, with well-prepared concept, could represent an up to date contemporary jewelry art work, added Alvi.

Alvi’s works that exhibited indeed looked luxurious and unique. The materials that easily found in Indonesia, such as silver, wrought iron, plastic, and wood have been modified through Alvi’s imaginative and creative process.

The simple forms, such as hammer, meat-knife, spoon, ring, kuda lumping (hoarse made of skin of animal), and butterfly have been modified into miniatures. Alvi also designed peculiar brooches with such shapes so that the hammer, meat-knife, or spoon would still look beautiful on the clothes.

Various kinds of rings were also interesting although their sizes were not proportional with the fingers that wore them. The ”Screen Ball,” for example, the ring that made of rubber and silver has an elliptical shape and fitted in the handful of an adult.

Another unique ring was ”Horizontal,” the thin and a 3-adult finger width ring. Whereas, the ”Cat Eyes” and ”Balloon” used the materials that could be found in our daily lives, such as plastic and cable clamp.

There was also the ”Couple ring” that made of silver. They were a pair of rings that ”cut” into two pieces so that they looked like a split-level house. When a pair of rings was put back together, it would return to be an intact form. According to Yul, in this exhibition, Alvi offered something new about contemporary jewelry in the country, which has not been touched and seen by people during this time.

Source: arti magazine june 2009, 16th edition

The Present Stretching Realism

In its development, and even more than that of course reality can be left out.

Teks Darma Ismayanto

Standing firmly on the basic concept of realists like F. Sigit Santosa, Ronald Manullang, etc. besides showing their expertise in processing the shape mimetically, also filled in their work with message contents. Realist at this level, it seems that he is not just as a measurer of how far the drawing technique ability would be in imitating the object, but also how the artist entered his messages, ideas/concepts into his works.

Making use of realist as basic in the process of an object only, when they further develop the basic concept on the idea perception, the work inclination that came into being just looked moving outside that tendency itself. On top of that there is a tendency of eagerness to wipe out all reality.

Pay close attention to the work of I Wayan Cahya, objective borders on this work looked restricted to the object being used. I Wayan has taken the model from its original object like woman, animal, etc. He recorded by making photographs. The photo output is processed by him later into a paper design or sketch.

Occasionally it is not just a sketch scratch output on canvas only, but also a photography assembly which is joined manually. Utilizing realist as basic technique processing of the object, when the object is transferred on the canvas of Wayan’s works, apparently that object entered a new world. The thinking world of the artist.

Wayan works as a unity, make up a combined representation between real figures with a strong surrealistic aura. Just observe attentively one of them at “metamorphosis #5”, at this work Wayan seemed to utilize the body of a woman as basic object to bring along “roving” into his imagination nature.

Following the track of how far the realist tendency developed in Indonesia, it’s visible that is a reason of performing “Objective Border”. So that part of the painters being involved, are those showing to have certain indications and in the possession of strong consistency in line with realism awareness. Wherever they are moving from realist inclinations as basic concept, to be utilized afterwards by them to achieve a “typical individual movement”.

Then even though using the same basic concept, the works that came into sight remain with the same special features offered by each artist. That peculiarity appeared through themes as well as painting work techniques.

Likewise between the works of Wayan with Ronald Manullang. Technically Ronald developed realism tradition combined with his ability to correlate popular ideas. His objects are human figures having experience of the role of deconstruction and position. He utilized existing snapshots and photographs.

Judul    : Objective Border
Tempat: galeri Srisasanti
Waktu : 1-20 Mei 2009
Artist   : Ronald Manulang, Suroso (Isur), F. Sigit Santosa, I Wayan Cahya, Gede Mahendra Yasa, Rosid
Kurator: Mikke Susanto

Source: Arti June 2009, 16th Edition